Social Media Access in Mauritius Blocked Ahead of Election

Mauritius has blocked social media access ahead of its general election, stirring controversy and raising concerns about democracy and freedom of information.

At a Glance

Mauritius blocked social media platforms until November 11, citing national security risks.
The blockage follows a wire-tapping scandal involving leaked phone recordings of politicians and officials.
Opposition leaders condemn the ban as a threat to fundamental rights and fair elections.
The scandal has led to arrests and allegations of AI-manipulated recordings.
VPN usage has increased as citizens attempt to bypass the restrictions.

Social Media Shutdown Sparks Controversy

The island nation of Mauritius has implemented a social media blockade set to last until November 11, the day after its general election. The government, citing national security concerns, has ordered internet service providers to restrict access to popular platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

The unprecedented action comes in the wake of a wire-tapping scandal that has rocked the country’s political landscape. Secret recordings of phone calls involving politicians, journalists, civil society members, and foreign diplomats were leaked online, primarily through an account called Missie Moustass on TikTok. These leaks have raised serious questions about privacy and the integrity of Mauritius’s communications infrastructure.

Wire-Tapping Scandal Unfolds

The scandal has already led to significant fallout. Sherry Singh, the former CEO of Mauritius Telecom, along with three others, has been arrested in connection with the leaks. One particularly damaging recording allegedly captured the police commissioner requesting the alteration of a forensic report, while another leak involved private calls of British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre.

Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who is seeking re-election after inheriting the position in 2017, has claimed that the leaked calls were manipulated using artificial intelligence. This assertion has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation.

Opposition Decries Government Action

The social media ban has been met with fierce criticism from opposition figures who rely heavily on these platforms for communication with voters. They argue that the government’s actions are panic-driven and pose a significant threat to fundamental rights and the democratic process.

“This is the last desperate act of a regime in disarray.” Linion Reform Nando Bodha said.

Opposition leaders have called on the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in light of these developments. The ban has also been condemned by civil society groups, who argue that it harms democracy, the economy, and access to information.

Economic and Social Impact

The social media shutdown is not without precedent in Africa, where such actions during times of political tension have become increasingly common. However, these measures often come at a significant economic cost. Previous internet shutdowns in countries like Senegal, Sudan, and Ethiopia have resulted in substantial financial losses.

In Mauritius, the impact is already being felt. EMTEL, a major telecom operator, has warned that “the user experience will be progressively disrupted.” This disruption has led to a marked increase in VPN usage as citizens attempt to circumvent the restrictions and maintain access to their preferred social media platforms.

Mauritius blocks social media amid wire-tapping scandal https://t.co/UAfK9sQKbO

— Gulf Today (@gulftoday) November 1, 2024

Looking Ahead

As Mauritius approaches its election day, the nation finds itself at a crossroads. The government’s drastic measures to control information flow in the face of a damaging scandal have raised serious questions about the balance between national security and democratic freedoms. With the social media ban set to lift on November 11, the world watches to see how this island nation will navigate these turbulent waters and what impact these events will have on the election outcome and the future of democracy in Mauritius.